Dover Athletic moved to the summit of the Isthmian Premier Division after a thrilling 4-2 win over Hashtag United at the Megger Community Stadium in front of their largest crowd since 2017. The Whites delivered a commanding performance with goals from Alfie Matthews, Harrison Pont, Luke Baptiste, and the leagues top scorer George Nikaj.
The game couldn’t have started better for Dover, as Alfie Matthews struck early in the 3rd minute. His composed finish from the edge of the box, following a clever link-up between Dover’s forwards, sent the home crowd into raptures. Hashtag United responded well and found an equaliser in the 19th minute through Sakariya Hassan, who slotted home a cool finish after a smart through ball from Darren Foxley.
Undeterred, Dover regained control in the 30th minute when Harrison Pont scored a stunning long-range strike, putting the Whites back in front. Dover continued to apply pressure, and their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time as Luke Baptiste added a third, tapping in from close range after great work from Nikaj.
The second half saw Hashtag United threaten, but Dover’s defense and goalkeeper Mitch Walker held firm. As the game approached its final stages, Dover sealed the victory with a moment of brilliance from George Nikaj in the 85th minute. His long-range effort crashed in off the crossbar, a goal that could easily be a contender for goal of the season.
Despite a late consolation from Hashtag’s Max Cornhill deep into stoppage time, Dover celebrated a well-deserved 4-2 victory, maintaining their excellent run of form and solidifying their place at the top of the table.
With an attendance of 2,732, Dover’s biggest home crowd in over six years, the atmosphere at Crabble was electric as the home side delivered an unforgettable performance on what was an incredibly successful Community Day. Dover now turns their attention to the FA Trophy, where they will face Sittingbourne next weekend.
Isthmian League – Premier Division
Attendance: 2,732
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Simon Cutler
Dover Athletic: Walker, Charles-Cook, Sesay, Tennent, Cocoracchio (Gyebi 90mins), Baptiste, (E.Amgbaduba 69mins) Matthews, Nikaj (Mampolo 88mins), Soares-Junior, Pont (T.Amgbaduba 88mins), Wilkinson (Young 85mins).
Hashtag United: Giddens, Smith, Olukoga, Haysom, Hassan (Rusoke 88mins), Day (Carvalho 65mins), Christou (Cornhill 40mins), Aromolaran, Anderson (Restrepo 76mins), Gordon, Foxley. Sub not used: Wooldridge.